In addition to Jackson and Willis, who were listed as having lower extremity injuries, Miami backup defensive lineman Scott Patchan will sit out the game because of a lower extremity injury and starting defensive end Chad Thomas is questionable, according to the Miami Herald.

Ekanem, who leads Tech (4-2, 2-1) with 4 1/2 sacks, left in the second half last Saturday in Tech's 31-17 loss at Syracuse with what looked to be a right arm or shoulder injury. He had offseason shoulder surgery in January that kept him out of spring practices.

Williams has 10 tackles, including two for losses. Like Ekanem, Williams has started all six games this season.

Jackson and Thomas are tied for Miami's team lead with 3 1/2 sacks each. Thomas is also pacing the Hurricanes with 5 1/2 tackles for loss. Willis, who has played in four games, has five tackles for loss.

The Miami Herald also reported freshman starting linebacker Shaquille Quarterman has been wearing a brace this week in practice on his left arm and shoulder, but he's expected to play Thursday. He's second on the team with 35 tackles.

If Ekanem is unavailable, Tech would likely start redshirt freshman Trevon Hill in his place. Hill has 14 tackles, including 2 1/2 for losses, in six games as a backup.

Redshirt freshman Tim Settle would likely be the first in line to replace Williams. Settle has played in all six games as a backup, logging nine tackles, including 2 1/2 for losses.